Gramaryes

/ˈɡræm.ə.riːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of gramary; magical practices, spells, necromancy, or mysterious knowledge of magic and the occult.

Etymology

From Old French gramaire (grammar/learning), which became associated with secret or magical knowledge, eventually referring to magic itself. The word shows how 'grammar' and 'magic' became confused in medieval thinking.

Kelly Says

Medieval people didn't clearly distinguish between 'grammar' (linguistics) and 'gramarye' (magic)—both involved mysterious words with power, which is why literate clergy seemed like wizards to the illiterate masses.

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